Frogs hop into Maritime Aquarium

Published 7:00 pm, Thursday, December 20, 2007

They croak, they jump and in fairy tales they turn into princes, but if we heed their warnings they might also help save the planet.

A new permanent exhibit that has jumped into Norwalk's Maritime Aquarium not only features a host of real life frogs and their salamander relatives, but also teaches visitors how these creatures have been threatened by global climate changes, and how they may serve as an early warning sign of the probthe hot tropics of South America to the changeable weather of New England and the Long Island Sound watershed.

Visitors get to see these croakers up close and personal in a stunning array of sizes, shapes and colors. They range from the obese, Jabba-the-Hut-like African bullfrog -- whose large fat reserves allow it to go up to a year without eating -- to the tiny but deadly Yellow-Banded Poison Frog -- whose bright plastic looking colors warn predators to stay away. (In the wild, one of these inch-long frogs has enough poison to kill 50 people.)

Visitors can compare frogs from the tropics (like the poison dart frogs, tomato frogs, horned frogs, Surinam toads, and fire salamanders), with more familiar species found in and around Connecticut, such as northern leopard frogs, American bullfrogs and American toads.

While viewing the specimens, you also learn some fascinating facts. For instance, in medieval times the log-dwelling fire salamanders were thought to be born of fire because they'd emerge out of the flames of logs used as firewood, and though these dragon-like salamanders don't breath fire, they have toxic secretions that they can squirt up to 6 feet to ward of predators.

And who actually knows the difference between a frog and a toad? Of course we all say we do, but when you actually ask people they start huffing and puffing like, well, a bullfrog, and never seem to finish the explanation.

After viewing the exhibit you can stop this unnecessary hyperventilating by explaining that a toad is a type of frog that lives mostly on land and prefers a dry environment. Toads have rough and dry skin, and stubby bodies with short hind legs for walking and short hops, while regular frogs have smooth slimy skin, strong legs and webbed hind feet that are used for swimming.

But the exhibit isn't all about upping your frog/toad IQ. Look deeper and you'll see there's a message here about pollution and the future of our planet.

Due to the release of toxic pollutants, the destruction of frogs' natural habitats, fungal diseases, and global warming, frog populations are decreasing at a startling rate. Nearly one-third (32 percent) of the world's amphibians are threatened.

To give you an idea of how high that is, only 12 percent of all bird species and 23 percent of all mammals are threatened. In addition, 43 percent of all amphibian species are declining in population.

Experts see this decrease as an early indicator of problems that will beset our planet unless pollution and other problems are reduced. Because frogs' skin is so highly permeable (frogs can drink and breath through it), they're extremely susceptible to pollution and other environmental issues.

"Frogs are incredibly sensitive to their environments," says Jack Schneider, curator of animals at the aquarium. As a result, they're affected by the tiniest changes in their environment and are "one of the first types of animals that show environmental degradation."

Because of their early response to environmental changes, frogs have been called the canary in the coal mine of climate change.

"When climate changes and frog populations begin to decline, as they have been both regionally and worldwide, it points to possible problems down the road for other animals, including humans," says Judith Bacal, exhibit director of the aquarium.

In addition to their dwindling numbers, frogs are also experiencing a rise in mutations. Schneider said there's a variety of theories as to why this is occurring. Some believe it's due to "UV radiation increasing, and that the increase may have disrupted their DNA."

But in Connecticut the mutations in frogs are thought to have occurred as the result of a fungal infection.

Whatever the exact cause, the good news is that there's still time to do something about it. One of exhibit's goals is to foster an emotional connection between people and frogs, so people will join preservation efforts. "We hope that people will not only want to learn more, but will also take action," says Schneider.

For those seeking to stop the decline in amphibians, the exhibit offers tips for helping to save frogs and ultimately all animals, including humans. These tips include limiting use of chemicals and pesticides, avoiding products that contribute to habitat destruction, reducing your carbon footprint, and buying local and organic produce to limit the widespread use of chemicals.

Once you've taken in "Frogs!" hop off to check out the rest of the aquarium, which is home to several unique holiday attractions. Through Jan. 21, the aquarium's "Festival of Lighthouses" is on display. The festival features 22 handmade lighthouses that range in size from 3 to 5 feet tall. All were made by local artisans and students.

Through Jan. 1 there's a 3D virtual ride with Santa and his reindeer. At the IMAX theater the animated Tom Hanks movie "The Polar Express" will be playing through Jan. 17. This is the first of many Hollywood releases that will be shown on the aquarium's IMAX theater.

And of course you can't forget the rest of the aquarium. The delightful display of water dwelling animals of nearly every shape and size, the friendly seals, the fascinating otters, the psychedelic jellyfish and the fierce looking sharks, just to name a few.

"Frogs!" is a permanent exhibit on the second floor. It will be open during the aquarium's regular hours (10 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily. Entry is included with Maritime Aquarium admission which is: $11 for adults, $9 for children, $10 for seniors, and free for members.

The aquarium is at 10 North Water Street in Norwalk. For more information, call (203) 852-0700 or visit www.maritimeaquarium.org